I am so ready for spring. Luckily it is (sort of) around the corner, because the Pennsylvania cold has me pretty antsy lately. The Kate Spade website has me dreaming of sun-filled days with not a down-filled coat or wool sock in sight. Check out the website for the great, sunny little video.

My husband and I still rent our apartment, so we don't have the opportunity to take advantage of any of the bold and graphic wallpaper patterns out there today... but someday when we own a home, I would love to cover a wall (or two, or three) with some of the fabulous wallpaper designs that keep popping up.

We all remember our first crush. Mine was an adorable freckle-faced, sandy-haired boy who I met in first grade and had my first kiss with years later. I was reminded of those moments when I was reading an AMAZING blog post by an AMAZING photographer, Alison Conklin.

Love is such a beautiful and special thing that means so many different things at so many different times in our lives. As a newlywed, I think that Alison's blog reminded me that everyone finds joy in a little love note. I had the love of my life write me a love note and read it to me as his vows on my wedding day. I was so filled with emotion that I couldn't tell you every word that was written — but it was on notepaper very similar to this, and had a very similar message. My husband looked into my eyes and told me he loved me because of all of the little things... like coffee and smiles. He said it with the nervousness of a young boy, his hands shaking and his lip quivering. I, of course, was consumed with tears at this point.

I am looking forward to receiving many more love notes over the next 50 years or so — and I hope they give me that "first crush" feeling every time!

23 February 2009

Patience is a virtue (or so I am told). So it may be a few more days until I get things together for my wedding blog entry.

What my fellow dolls will not have to wait for is some amazing baked goodies on Monday. Vanessa, a fellow chocolate lover, e-mailed me a recipe for Outrageous Oreo Crunch Bars the day I arrived back and I knew I just had to make them.

I mean who wouldn’t like brownies AND Oreos AND coffee all wrapped into one delightful mouthful. I am a strong believer in the fact that you should always bake with cold butter and room temperature eggs, that there is no substitute for a quality mixer, and chocolate and coffee should always be paired together.

But don’t take my word for it... you be the judge and let me know if you agree ;)

18 February 2009

I've seen hundreds of paper cut artists pop up over the past few years. When I look at the work of the most talented ones I wonder how many times you could poke them before they'd show any sign of irritation; their patience is superhuman. I'd make one wrong cut and you'd see my scissors connect with a wall...

When photographer Alison Conklin approached us to do her new business cards, we jumped at the chance. Not only is she an amazing and wonderful photographer, but she has great taste- so we knew that we could provide her with a great design that is just as much fun for her as it is for us. Here they are:

{photos courtesy of Alison Conklin}

We wanted the papercut but had to cheat a little; we used a laser (actually, we sent it to someone who then used a laser...). They were then letterpressed and die cut on 220 lb. pearl white Lettra.

Maybe there's someone out there that you have something to say to, but you just can't bring yourself to do it. I've never had a problem with making a fool of myself. In case you do, here's something you can use as a little practice:

I have been a bit restless lately; in need of some real sunlight, probably a vacation... It's always nice to take a breath and step back. So now that I have, I think that I'd like to wake up at home- except there is a mouse who doesn't want to leave my apartment. He thinks that we are friends, but we're not. I'd love to wake up in a home that Mickey will never visit.

If you watch the video from London:
"In a pink bubble floating above the clouds, filled with ping pong balls."